In this letter to the editor, the author responds to our recent call-to-action asking readers to share their tips for keeping tower sites secure from unwanted “visitors” — whether they be furry or humankind. Comment on this or any article. Email [email protected].
Michael Kernen is chief engineer at Crawford Broadcasting Detroit.
Situational awareness is crucial to transmitter site operations. We spend money on redundancy and remote-control systems to ensure we stay on the air, so making sure that same transmitter site isn’t rendered useless by vandals or thieves is of equivalent importance.
An ordinary alarm system that is connected to a 24/7 monitoring station is the best way to know that your site is secure, and the small monthly expense is well worth it.
Many transmitter sites are unmonitored. Like the recent RW article about the Atlanta break-in, the chief engineer didn’t even know until these trespassers were there. Other break-ins I’ve heard about were undetected until the site went off the air.
A simply curious trespasser could leave your site vulnerable to others with more nefarious intentions. A broken door or window can let in animals or render your HVAC system ineffective. A connected alarm system with simple motion sensors will do, but I prefer to also have glass breakage and door contacts connected, too.
We have our sites monitored by ADT (now known as EverOn) and, should a break-in occur, they alert me and dispatch the police if necessary. They also offer water, fire and video monitoring. “How You Can Outsmart the Burglars” by Radio World contributor John Marcon is a great article on why you need a security system.
Another absolute must for security at transmitter sites is proper and well-maintained fencing. If for no other reason than to force liability for serious injury or death onto the trespasser.
Once an intruder defeats a security device — whether it be a locked door or gate, a fence, sharks with giant laser beams attached to their heads, etc. — your responsibility for their wellbeing drops significantly.
Lastly, I have video recording at every site, including indoor and outdoor cameras that I can check from my cellphone or computer.
Hopefully this is useful!
RW welcomes your Tech Tips, email us at [email protected].
